Summer 2021 Crusader

Summer 2021

Do you have a passion for investing in the lives of
young people? Do you want to live in a community
environment that is intentional about impacting today’s
youth with God’s Word? If so, you may be interested in

joining our team at Sunshine Bible Academy.
We currently have several openings for the 2021-22
school year. Employment includes housing and medical

insurance.
For more information, and to access employment
applications, visit http://www.sunshinebible.org/em-
ployment-opportunities. You may also call the school at
605.853.3071 or e-mail [email protected].
Join us in equipping today’s youth to apply God’s truth.

2 | The Crusader

From Our Superintendent 4

Spring Play 5

School Board Junior/Senior Banquet 6
Region Music Concert 7

Brad Haun, Chairman Student Testing 8

Miller, SD Student News 9

Paul Beckwith, Vice Chairman Awards Night 10

Pierre, SD Senior Tea 12

Jim Hofman, Secretary Spring Concert 13

Miller, SD Commencement 14

Brad Ufen, Treasurer Class of 2021 16

Miller, SD Crusader Athletics 18

Ken Shay SBA Foundation 20

Pierre, SD Giving 21

David VanHeuvelen

Emmetsburg, IA

Rich Richer

Miller, SD

Craig Hinman

Carter, SD

John Paul

Faith, SD

God’s Truth for Today’s Youth. SBA Family News 22

According to its Articles of Incorporation, Sunshine Calendar 23
Bible Academy exists to provide “for the general
education of youth in the essentials of culture and in Front cover: Taylor Michaelis was all
the arts and sciences, giving emphasis to the Chris- smiles after Commencement on May 23.
tian doctrines and the ethics revealed in the Holy
Scriptures; combating all atheistic, agnostic, pagan, Back cover: The eighth grade graduates
and so-called scientific adulterations of the Gospel; (L to R): Annaliese Van Zee, Owan Wat-
unqualifiedly affirming and teaching the Inspiration son, Troy Paul, Jimmy Burma and DeNyla
of the Bible (both the Old and New Testaments); the Eason.
birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; His identi-
fication as the Son of God; His vicarious atonement
for the sins of mankind by the shedding of His blood
on the cross; the resurrection of His body from the
tomb; His power to save man from sin; the new birth
through the regeneration by the Holy Spirit; and

the gift of eternal life by the grace of God through
faith in Jesus Christ.”

The Crusader | 3

From Our

Superintendent
This year we, as a school, have
had unexpected challeng- mission is to
es come our way. Despite empower
today’s youth

those trials, one thing we have been to apply

reminded of over and over again is God’s truth.

that the Lord is good. On behalf of all of us at SBA, I want

Our theme for this year was “By to thank you for standing with us,

what standard?” Through chapel ses- especially this past year.

sions and devotions this year we have One might expect that a ministry

examined God’s standards. Unlike might lose supporters or, at the very

the standards of the world we live in, least, face negative feedback after

which seem to change frequently and the two weeks we had in October.

to vary based on who is in charge at Either one of the things that hap-

the moment, God’s standards do not pened would have been bad; to

change. have them both, just a week apart,

To stand firmly and unashamedly could have been disastrous. Yet, the

on the conviction that there is such words of encouragement, the contin-

a thing as absolute truth, there is a ued financial support and the prayers

right and a wrong, there are things have continued. We cannot thank you

that do not change based on how enough for that.

we feel or what we prefer—those I would like to express my thanks

are not positions designed to bring to Daniel Paul and Tom Young, who

much popularity in this day and age. both concluded nine years of service

But God’s Word does not call us to on the SBA school board in June.

pursue popularity. Instead, we are Please be in prayer for the

commanded to seek first the kingdom sixteen members of the SBA Class of

of God, and His righteousness. We 2021 as they begin the next chapter

are instructed to stand firm. of their lives. Please pray, too, for

This truth is evident in the class a summer of rest and renewal and

verse selected by our 2021 seniors— then a great 2021-22 school year.

Psalm 118:6, which says, “The LORD We are looking forward expectantly

is on my side; I will not fear. What and excitedly to what the Lord has in

can man do to me?” store for us in the year ahead--SBA’s

Franklin Roosevelt famously said 70th year!

that there is nothing to fear but fear

itself. But our God said there is noth- In Him,

ing to fear. Period. He is on our side.

SBA is built on God’s truth and our

4 | The Crusader

Spring Play
Cassidy Watson (‘21)
The queen, the queen is dead!”
Queen Evelyn (Evelyn Jones, ter from the crowd. As in every fairy-
‘21) died suddenly, leaving tale, everyone lived happily ever af-
ter (well, almost everyone), and King

her kingdom in the hands of country Yokel learned that everyone has the

bumpkin, Yokel (Nahom Kassaye, skills to make a difference.

‘21). This Other

was the zany members of

premise for the play’s

this year’s cast and

Spring Play, crew includ-

“The Bach- ed Natasha

elor King” Appel (‘25),

by Martin Ella Cody

A. Follose. (‘23), Char-

This nonstop ity Freed

play was (‘23), Milto

filled with Gebreyes

action, from (‘21), Parker

Prince Daft Jones (‘23),

(River Jones, ‘24) and his bodyguard Liza Konechne (‘22), Sadie Konechne

Conroy (Owan Watson, ‘25) and (‘24), Rylee Nelson (‘23), Aja Paul

their many attempts to assassinate (‘22), Addison Pearl (‘24), Kimberly

King Yokel, to the sly Fiona Pilfer Robbins (‘23) and Josh VanHeuvelen

(Cassidy Watson, ‘21) stealing all of (‘23). Barbara Grummet, Megan

the kingdom’s money. The highlight Hall and Joie VanHolstyn also made

of the play was a singing contest cameo appearances as three eligible

to choose a queen for King Yokel. women from the kingdom.

The contestants, all the way from the As a senior, this was my last play

United States, included Mrs. Priscilla at SBA, and I want to say a big thank

Tradewells-Ayers-Hollander-Mor- you to each and every member of

ley (Abby Haun, ‘21), Jane Claxton our outstanding cast and crew, and

(Taylor Michaelis, ‘21), Sally Valley an even bigger thank you to Lauren

(Taylor Nelson, ‘21), Kanisha (Aimee Haun and Christa Hahn for being

Sepulvado, ‘21), and Miss Agatha phenomenal directors. We couldn’t

Peabody (Daraby Boersma, ‘26). have done it without you! This year’s

While they may not have been play was so much fun and will be

the best musical performances ever, fondly remembered for years to

each contestant’s song brought laugh- come.

The Crusader | 5

Junior/Senior Banquet

The annual started with some
Junior/Se- trivia and then talked
nior Banquet about the importance
happened as sched- of roots. Following his
uled for the first address, Joie VanHols-
time in four years! tyn and Jason Watson
Following two years embarrassed them-
of snow-related selves for the enter-
rescheduling and tainment of the crowd
last year’s COVID- by lip synching.
caused adjustments,
the juniors decided Next came the
to play it safe and juniors’ predictions
have the event on campus. With about the seniors,
some help from a few sponsors, followed by the seniors take turns
the junior class “willing” something to the juniors.
transformed the
wrestling room The predictions
into an enchant- and wills both
ed forest. provided some
laughter...and
Following an the occasional
informal time for eye roll.
pictures, Ben and
Barbara Grum- The evening
met emceed the grand march. concluded with
Several of the ladies were escort- Payton Fox clos-
ed by brothers, and ing in prayer and then many of the
one by her grand- students drove a few miles to the
father! Jakki Burma Michaelis home for a
opened in prayer night of fun, food...
and then everyone and very little sleep!
enjoyed their dinner,
with mini-Blizzards for From top: Jakki Burma was
dessert. escorted by her brother
Jimmy; seniors Everett Paul,
The juniors invited Nahom Kassaye and Gage
Mr. Jamie McClain Davis having some fun; Shel-
to be the speaker by Bridges enjoying some
for the evening. He of the juniors’ predictions
about the senior class.

6 | The Crusader

Region Music Concert

Kevin Waller

Even though All-State Choir was cancelled this school year, a num-
ber of Region IV music teachers set out to host an event somewhat
similar and smaller in scale in Aberdeen on April 19 at the Aber-
deen Civic Center. This event had around 70 students from about thirteen
schools in the geographic region, and it culminated in a concert at 5:30
that evening. Students Taylor Michaelis, Payton Fox, Addison Pearl, Owan
Watson, Jimmy Burma, Everett Paul and River Jones represented SBA at
the event. Cassidy Watson was also scheduled to participate, but illness
prevented it (However, she did get to sing two pieces at SBA’s spring
concert!).

The first rehearsal started at 9:00 a.m. The students got a chance to
work with Dr. Timothy Woods of Northern State University as their choir
director. The older students have had Dr. Woods adjudicate them at Small
Group Contest in previous years, so they knew a little of what to expect
with his high energy. There were four rehearsals during the day. One
rehearsal split the men and women so that Dr. Woods could work with
each group separately, while music teachers of the area took the other
group to work on spots in sectionals. The accompanying for the choir was
done by three different music directors, including SBA music director Kevin
Waller.

A total of six songs were performed, starting with “The Star Span-
gled Banner.” All seniors sang the opening of “Why We Sing,” and were
joined by the rest of the choir after a two page long senior feature. The
next piece was an eight part song titled “Lullaby.” Felix Mendelssohn’s
piece “There Shall a Star” was next, which most students considered to be
the hardest piece of the concert. “In Remembrance” followed, which was
also an eight part piece, and it included a French horn player from North-
ern State joining the high schoolers. The final song was a spiritual titled
“Praise His Holy Name” which included an a capella section.

While this didn’t feel exactly like an All-State Chorus event with
almost 1,000 students from 150 different schools, it did provide an op-
portunity for the All-State students and alternates to learn, practice, and
perform in a choir much larger than the Crusader Choir. Alternates do
not get to perform at the event normally, so it was a great opportunity
for them to learn a little about how it works. It was a unique experience
that allowed students who do well in music to have a little semblance of
normality after a year of most music events being cancelled.

The Crusader | 7

Student Testing

There was no standardized testing in 2020 due to COVID, but in
late April SBA’s students once again completed the Terra Nova,
Third Edition (TN3) test, a series of assessments that generates
precise norm-referenced achievement scores, a full complement of criteri-
on-referenced objective mastery scores, and performance-level informa-
tion.

The TN3 reports an Objectives Performance Index (OPI), which is an
estimate of the number of items a student could be expected to answer
correctly if there had been 100 items for that objective. SBA’s average
OPI score in grade 12 exceeded the national average OPI score for all
but one of the thirty-nine objectives, by an average of 8.8 points. SBA’s
seniors were just one point below the national average in the one area.

These students scored in the 99th percentile in individual subject tests:
Natasha Appel (8) - Vocabulary, Reading Composite
Dakota Boersma (5) - Vocabulary, Reading Composite, Language,

Language Composite, Total Score
Nikole Burrows (7) - Spelling
Abby Haun (12) - Language, Language Mechanics, Language Composite
Sadie Konechne (9) - Social Studies
Trevor Laschkewitsch (9) - Math Computation
Rylee Nelson (10) - Reading, Reading Composite
Everett Paul (12) - Math Computation
Cassidy Watson (12) - Vocabulary, Language Mechanics
Owan Watson (8) - Vocabulary, Reading Composite, Language, Language

Composite, Math, Social Studies, Spelling, Total Score

The 99th percentile is the highest possible rating, and we commend
the ten students above for achieving that rating in their respective subject
areas. Overall, twenty-seven students scored in the 90th percentile or
higher in a total of 121 test categories!

There are thirteen total test categories in the TN3. Special congratu-
lations to Owan Watson (8) for scoring in the 90th percentile or higher in
twelve of the thirteen.

8 | The Crusader

Student News

Clockwise from top left:

Everett Paul (‘21) is shown receiving a certifi-
cate from Gov. Kristi Noem recognizing him as
being among the top 1% of seniors in South
Dakota. The Academic Excellence Award is
given by the Associated School Boards of South
Dakota and sponsored by the South Dakota
Community Foundation.

Liza Konechne (‘22), of Platte, SD, was elected
Student Body President for 2021-22; Rylee
Nelson (‘23), of Richland, MT, was elected Vice
President.

SBA’s Dairy Cattle Evaluation Team took First
Place at the State FFA Convention in Rapid City
in April. Individually, Nolan Triebwasser (‘23),
Taylor Michaelis (‘21) and Charity Freed (‘23)
placed first, second and third respectively. The
fourth member of the team is Jakki Burma
(‘22). They will head to the National FFA
Convention in Indianapolis in October. Also at
the State convention, Everett Paul placed first
individually in Ag Mechanics.

The Crusader | 9

The annual Awards Night on May 6 was a celebratory evening as students’
accomplishments were recognized in the areas of academics, fine arts,
athletics, diligence, attendance and character.

-Academic Awards-
Social Studies-Everett Paul; Bible-Milto Gebreyes; Math-Cassidy Watson;
Science-Cassidy Watson; English-Everett Paul; Computer-Trevor Laschke-
witsch; Industrial Arts-Gage Davis and Everett Paul; Art-Taylor Michaelis

-Fine Arts Awards-
Outstanding Instrumentalist-Cassidy Watson; Outstanding Vocalist-Tay-
lor Michaelis, Everett Paul; Director’s Award-Abby Haun; All-State Choir
Members-Taylor Michaelis, Addison Pearl, Everett Paul, Owan Watson;
All-State Alternates-Payton Fox, Cassidy Watson, James Burma, River Jones;
Outstanding Actor-Nahom Kassaye; Outstanding Actress-Taylor Michaelis,
Cassidy Watson; Outstanding Oral Interpreter-Taylor Michaelis, Cassidy
Watson; Oral Interp State Qualifiers-Ella Cody, Cassidy Watson

-Athletic Awards-
Football: Most Improved Lineman-Daniel Gerbracht; Most Improved Junior
High-Micah Huntington; Most Improved JV-Josh VanHeuvelen; Outstand-
ing player-Nolan Triebwasser; Crimson and Gold-Everett Paul; Academic
All-State-Everett Paul
Volleyball: Outstanding Player-Aja Paul; Best All-Around-Liza Konechne;
Most Improved (C Team)-Betra Amare; Most Improved (Junior Varsity)-Sadie
Konechne; Most Improved (Varsity)-Taylor Nelson; Crimson and Gold-Abby
Haun; All Conference-Aja Paul (Honorable Mention); Academic All-State-
Abby Haun, Taylor Michaelis
Cross Country: State Qualifiers-Payton Fox, Everett Paul; Academic All-
State-Gage Davis, Everett Paul
Wrestling: Most Improved-James Burma; Roger Paul Award-Josh VanHeu-
velen; Outstanding Wrestler-Everett Paul; Academic All-State-Gage Davis,
Everett Paul

10 | The Crusader

Boys Basketball: Most Improved-Owan Watson; Defense Award-Nolan Trieb-
wasser; Leading Rebounder-Nolan Triebwasser; Free Throw Percentage-Jay
ven Van Scharrel; Assist/Turnover-Parker Jones; Practice/Hustle Award-Dan-
iel Gerbracht
Girls Basketball: Most Improved Player (Junior Varsity)-Rylee Nelson; Most
Improved Player (Varsity)-Betra Amare; Crimson and Gold-Taylor Nelson;
Academic All-State-Abby Haun, Taylor Nelson
Track: State Qualifiers-Boys 4x800m Relay: Gage Davis, Everett Paul, Nolan
Triebwasser, Josh VanHeuvelen, Garrett Van Zee (alternate); Academic All-
State-Abby Haun, Everett Paul
Rodeo: National Qualifiers (2020)-Teigan Clark, Iver Paul

Senior Honor Athletes-Gage Davis, Abby Haun, Everett Paul

-Character Awards-
Biblical Qualities Character Awards: David (Godly Leadership)-Everett Paul;
Daniel (Personal Integrity)-Cassidy Watson; Peter (Spiritual Growth)-Kim-
berly Robbins; Barnabas (Tireless Encourager)-Aimee Sepulvado; Jonathan
(Loyal Friend)-Payton Fox

-Diligence and Attendance Awards-
Gratis-Betra Amare, Tate Michaelis; Girls Dorm Leadership-Taylor Michae-
lis; Boys Dorm Leadership-Gage Davis; Perfect Attendance-Jakki Burma,
Patrick Gisore, Addison Pearl; Diligence Award-Betra Amare, Gage Davis,
Milto Gebreyes, Abby Haun, Taylor Michaelis, Rylee Nelson, Everett Paul,
Nolan Triebwasser, Cassidy Watson

-Scholarships-
Steele-Mickelson Communications Scholarship: Sadie Konechne, Rylee
Nelson, Payton Fox, Taylor Michaelis
E. Stanley Morgan Scholarship: Liza Konechne
Kea Ufen-Dearing Character Award (Scholarship): Payton Fox

Also presented on May 6 were various letters, pins, certificates and trophies
for cocurricular accomplishments. In all, the evening included some recognition
of nearly all of the high school students, and the faculty and staff are proud
of all that each of the students has accomplished over the past school year.

-FFA Awards (presented at FFA Banquet on May 3)-
Star Greenhand-Seth Schoon; Greenhand Degree-Charity Freed, Milto Geb-
reyes, Parker Jones, Rylee Nelson, Addison Pearl, Kimberly Robbins; Chap-
ter Degree-Seth Schoon; Chapter Scholarship Award-Gage Davis, Taylor
Michaelis, Rylee Nelson, Taylor Nelson, Everett Paul

The Crusader | 11

Senior Tea Kristina Watson
On the evening of May 10,
the annual Senior Tea was her concerns with the king, Kelly got
held to honor the ladies all in attendance thinking about how
graduating with the Class of 2021. God was working out His plan
This special event was during other “awkward” moments in
attended by the senior
ladies, their mothers the Bible. For example,
and the faculty and Noah in the Ark after
staff ladies from SBA. God shut the door
No tea is complete waiting for the rain to
without a tasty spread start or the three men
of delicious delicacies. in the fiery furnace
Thanks to help from walking around with
the faculty and staff the Fourth Man, waiting
ladies this tea was no for Nebuchadnez-
exception, with finger zar to call them out.
sandwiches, scrumptious The point was to trust
scones, sweet treats and more to God’s plan, care and
enjoy. control even when we
may have to wait to see the whole
During the evening a devotion picture. While waiting we are to
was given by Kelly DiGiulio. Kelly continue to do the right things in
and her husband the present moment. Kelly present-
Derrick work with
the youth at the ed challenging
Community Church and encourag-
of St. Lawrence, ing truths in a
where Kelly thought provok-
has developed ing way.
relationships with
several of the se- By design,
nior ladies. In her the Senior Tea
creative and very is a celebratory
relational style, Kelly challenged the evening for the
senior ladies and all in attendance senior ladies.
to be aware of God’s purpose and The fellowship
working in the “awkward” waiting enjoyed throughout the evening and
moments of life. Starting with the the creatively shared devotion pro-
story of Queen Esther, who waited a vided an uplifting way to end our
year together.
day in between banquets to share
Top: Kelly DiGiulio; bottom: senior ladies.

12 | The Crusader

Spring Concert
SBA’s annual Spring
Concert was held Earth” and “Chop-
on May 14. The sticks on Handbells.”
elementary students the Men’s Ensemble
began the evening with then sang “Here I Am,
Dottie Rambo/Dave Send Me” and “Romans
Huntsinger program 8:28,” followed by an
“Down By the Creek unannounced piece
Bank.” they had been working
on secretly for months,
The Ladies’ Ensem- a fun piece called “This
ble performed “God Is SBA,” based on SBA’s
of Wonders” and “Coming Down,” core values and written by SBA mu-
followed by the Small Vocal Ensem- sic director Kevin Waller.
ble’s two pieces, “Forsaken” and The Crusader Choir performed
“Witness.” Senior Aimee Supeulvado seven pieces: “God Is Able,” “Dona
directed the
first piece. Nobis
Pacem,”
The “Fill-A Me
Crusader Up!” “There
Band closed Is a Higher
out the first Throne,”
half of the “Lead On,
concert with O King
“The Synco- Eternal,”
pated Clock,” the three-movement “Ah, Dearest
“Angel Band,” “On a Hymnsong of Jesus,” and “Goliath.” River Jones,
Philip Bliss,” and “Dixieland Encore.” Taylor Michaelis, Payton Fox, Addi-
The final piece included son Pearl, Abby Haun
a jazz combo of Taylor and Aimee Sepulvado
Michaelis, Cassidy each soloed during the
Watson, Abby Haun, choir pieces.
Owan Watson and The concert ended
Karli Keck as well as with the All-State Octet
several opportunities singing “Why We Sing”
for sectional spotlights. and “Praise His Holy
Name!”
Following the inter-
mission, the Handbell From top: Alice Grummet;
Choir performed “For
the Beauty of the the Men’s Ensemble of Jimmy

Burma, Everett Paul, River

Jones and Owan Watson; Payton Fox.

The Crusader | 13

Commencement
We had a beautiful day
for baccalaureate and for old friends to reconnect and
commencement at Sun- new friendships to form. We were
shine Bible Academy on May 23. delighted to have former SBA
faculty member and current South
Baccalaureate began with a Dakota state legislator James Bolin
welcome by Dean of Students Wes in attendance! Following the annual
Fisher and an invocation by Greg Friends of Sunshine Meeting it was
Pedersen. The Ladies Ensemble time for commencement. Juniors
then performed “God of Wonders” Jakki Burma, Becca Hofman, Liza
before the diplomas were present- Konechne and Aja Paul were the
ed to two kindergarten and five honor guards, selected by GPA.
eighth grade graduates.
Mr. Watson welcomed ev-
During a time of announce- eryone, after which former Bible
ments, Superintendent Jason Wat- teacher Bruce Miller gave the invo-
son presented Jamie McClain with cation. The recipients of the
the South Dakota Football Coach- annual scholarships and awards
es Association’s 2020 Assistant were then presented, as follows:
Coach of the Year award. COVID E. Stanley Morgan Scholarship
prevented the plaque from being (math/science) to Cassidy Watson,
presented by the SDFBCA during Kea Ufen Dearing Scholarship
their usual events, but that enabled (music) to Cassidy Watson, Millard
the SBA family to celebrate with F. Seaman Leadership Award to
Coach McClain! Taylor Michaelis, Citizenship Award
to Taylor Michaelis and the Cru-
Seniors Milto Gebreyes, Evelyn sader Award to Everett Paul.
Jones and Cassidy Watson shared
reflections about their classmates Abby Haun and Everett Paul
and then the SBA worship team led then delivered the salutatory and
a time of congregational worship valedictory addresses respectively,
before the All-State Octet per- after which the senior class sang
formed “Praise His Holy Name.” “Enough Light.”
The seniors selected Dave Johnston,
who was our fall SLEW speaker, The commencement address
to give the morning’s message. The was delivered by Mindy Belz. Mrs.
service was closed with a benedic- Belz wrote WORLD Magazine’s
tion by school board member Brad first cover story in 1986 and has
Haun. gone on to serve as internation-
al editor, editor and now senior
The lunch break provided not editor. She has covered conflicts
only a tasty meal, but a great time around the world and her report-

14 | The Crusader

ing has been published overseas and in
the United States, including The Weekly
Standard, the Wall Street Journal and
The Gospel Coalition, and she recounts
some of her experiences in her 2016
book They Say We Are Infidels: On the
Run from ISIS with Persecuted Christians
in the Middle East. Belz encouraged
the seniors to be willing to run toward
difficulties and challenges in life and to
always keep a shepherd’s heart.

Following Belz’s address, the di-
plomas were presented to the sixteen
members of the Class of 2021. During
a PowerPoint presentation, the seniors
delivered carnations to individuals who
have played special roles in their lives.
Tom Young, president of the school
board, then offered congratulations to
the seniors and gave them permission to
turn their tassels. After “The Lord Bless
You and Keep You” was sung, school
board member Jim Hofman gave the
benediction.

The Class of 2021 included stu-
dents from families in South Dakota,
Minnesota, Montana, Texas, Ethiopia
and Rwanda. They will be scattering all
over next year—as far east as South
Carolina, as far south as Texas and as
far west as California. Please pray for
each of them as they embark on the
next chapter of their lives!

From top: Dave Johnston delivered the message
during baccalaureate; Evelyn Jones, Milto Geb-
reyes and Cassidy Watson sharing reflections of
their classmates; Todd Seaman and his daughter
Staci (‘16) presented Taylor Michaelis with the
Millard F. Seaman Leadership Award; Mindy Belz
gave the commencement address.

The Crusader | 15

Shelby Bridges is the daughter of Gage Davis is the son of Chad
Patrick and Amy Bridges of Isabel, and Francie Davis of Rapid City,
SD. She plans to stay home next SD. He plans to attend Lake Area
Technical College next year for
year and help on the ranch.
Aviation Mechanics.

Abby Haun is the daughter of Evelyn Jones is the daughter of Nahom Kassaye is the son of
Brad and Jolene Haun of Miller,
SD. This fall she plans to attend Eric Big Eagle and Erica Jones of Habtewold Kassaye and Tsega-
Northwestern University to study
Computer Science. Ft. Thompson, SD. She plans to live nesh Biru of Ethiopia. He plans to

in Sioux Falls and take community attend Dordt University this fall to

college courses. study Engineering.

Everett Paul is the son of John and Jenna Reil is the daughter of Mike Aimee Sepulvado is the daughter
Becky Paul of Faith, SD. This fall and Linda Reil of Wilmot, SD. This of the late Steven and Rebecca
he will attend Lake Area Technical fall she plans to attend Lake Area Sepulvado of Texas. She plans to
College for Precision Machining. Technical College for Cosmetology. return to Texas to attend communi-

16 | The Crusader ty college for two years.

Milto Gebreyes is the daughter of Patrick Gisore is the son of Brigeth Gora is the daughter of
Wondweson Grebreyes and Elsa- Rumenge Felix and Nyiramatun- David and Kathleen Gora of
bet Pavlos of Ethiopia. This fall she go Immaculie of Kigali, Rwanda. Cottage Grove, MN. She will work
plans to attend Biola University to He plans to attend Dalton State for the next year at Okontoe Fel-
study Theology. College to study Engineering. lowship in Grand Marais, MN.

Karli Keck is the daughter of Dan Taylor Michaelis is the daughter Taylor Nelson is the daughter
and Suzi Keck of St. Lawrence, of Andy and Julie Michaelis of of Travis and Cindi Nelson of
SD. She will attend Lake Area Wessington, SD. She plans to
Technical College this fall for Richland, MT. She plans to attend
Cosmetology. attend Frontier School of the Bible South Dakota State University to
this fall.
study Nursing.

Rebecca VanBockel is the daughter Cassidy Watson is the daughter of
of Robyn and Renea VanBockel of Jason and Kristina Watson of SBA.
Redfield, SD. She plans to attend She plans to attend Bob Jones
Lake Area Technical College this University to study Culinary Arts.
fall for Graphic Design.

The Crusader | 175

Crusader Athletics

GIRLS and BOYS TRACK

OGreg Pedersen
ur track teams consisting of sixteen
girls and fourteen boys participat-
ed in ten varsity meets and one
junior high meet prior to the state track meet.
Our theme verse for the season was I Timothy
4:12. One of our goals was to be an exam-
ple of a believer in speech, conduct, love,
faith and purity. Another of our goals was to
improve in our track and field performances
as the season progressed. Since only three
girls and three boys had ever participated
as members of an SBA track team prior to
this season, there was a challenge to deter-
mine what events would be the best for each
of the participants. The third goal was to
qualify for the State B track and field meet
held in Rapid City. To qualify for the State B
meet this year, an individual or relay team
had to be one of the top 24 Class B entrants
in an individual event or relay.

Our boys’ 3200 meter relay team
of Everett Paul, Josh VanHeuvelen, Nolan
Triebwasser and Gage Davis, with a time
of 9:05.44 at the Miller Invitational, ranked
22nd entering the State B meet. The relay
team improved and finished 11th at State
with a time of 8:58.78.

Our boys’ medley relay team of Van-
Heuvelen, Triebwasser, Davis and Paul
finished the season ranked 25th with a time
of 3:57.84 at the 281 Conference meet in
Miller. Our girls’ medley relay team of Abby
Haun, Betra Amare, Abby Hinman and Pay-
ton Fox ended the season ranked 30th with a
time of 4:44.21 in the CSD Conference meet
at Onida.

18 | The Crusader

Notable performances and state rankings:

Girls’ 200 meter dash – Abby Hinman
– 84th – 29.39 – CSD Conf (Onida)

Girls’ 400 meter dash – Abby Hinman
– 63rd – 1:06.92 – Region 2B (Gettys-
burg)

Girls’ 800 meter run – Payton Fox –
75th – 2:44.80 – Region 2B (Gettysburg)

Girls’ 1600 meter run – Payton Fox –
88th – 6:28.34 – Miller Inv

Girls’ 800 meter relay – DeNyla Ea-
son, Abby Hinman, Betra Amare, Payton
Fox – 44th – 1:59.97 – CSD Conf (Onida)

Girls’ 1600 meter relay – Abby Hin-
man, Betra Amare, Annaliese Van Zee,
Payton Fox – 40th – 4:38.10 – CSD Conf
(Onida)

Boys’ shot put – Nolan Triebwasser –
94th – 37’ 3 ½” – CSD Conf (Onida)

Boys’ discus – Nolan Triebwasser –
36th – 123’ 7” – Region 2B (Gettysburg)

Boys’ high jump – Josh VanHeuvelen
– 38th – 5’ 6” – Region 2B (Gettysburg),
Wol-Wess Inv (Miller), Miller Inv

Boys’ 400 meter dash – Gage Davis –
95th – 56.94 – Miller Inv

Boys’ 800 meter run – Everett Paul –
32nd – 2:11.54 – Miller Inv

Boys’ 1600 meter relay – Everett Paul,
Josh VanHeuvelen, Nolan Triebwasser,
Gage Davis – 46th – 3:53.34 – 281 Conf
(Miller)

Two senior boys (Gage Davis and
Everett Paul) and five senior girls (Abby
Haun, Evelyn Jones, Taylor Michaelis, Tay-
lor Nelson and Shelby Bridges (stats)) will
be missed for their leadership and exam-
ples to the track teams.

Opposite from top: Nolan Triebwasser, Everett Paul, Gage Davis; this
page from top: Taylor Nelson, Evelyn Jones, Annaliese Van Zee.

The Crusader | 19

SBA Foundation David Paul

ALongevity in Generosity
statement that wealth brings
on generosity is a myth!
Many years ago we operat-
ed an adjoining ranch, to ours, for a
Montana couple and a North Dakota
couple. The two couples were con-
nected in the ownership of the ranch
in that the Montana wife and the North Dakota husband were brother
and sister. This ranch was an addition to the ranches they each had in
Montana and North Dakota. The two couples came down to gather and
sort yearlings for shipping. The work crew was the two brothers-in-law, my
kids and me. That evening around the supper table, the conversation be-
tween the two couples was about the oil boom happening all around them
in their area. It then shifted to center on a donation recently given to the
Montana University. The sister stated, “I think that the gift to the university
was a good thing to do and I would also if I had enough.” The brother
quietly replied, “Connie, how much is enough?”

We are born with a selfish nature; therefore, generosity is a learned
trait. The Bible gives guidance in verse upon verse on growing generosity
in wealth. Start young, start small. Your time will always be your greatest
gift and for what you will be remembered the most. Old age is not the
best time to begin volunteering some of your time. Generosity builds hap-

piness into health and longev-
ity. There is no given number
amount that signifies money as
wealth; Jesus made that point
very clear. Any size gift you
may give to the SBA Founda-
tion will return all the benefits
of giving of yourself, plus the
Foundation will take your gen-
erosity beyond your lifetime
as your gift ‘keeps on giving,’
year after year, teaching
God’s Truth for Today’s Youth.
Longevity in Generosity.

20 | The Crusader

Gifts

Given to the SBA General Fund

Gift Given By In Honor of

Jason & Kristina Watson Howard & Kay Friesen
Jason & Kristina Watson Robert & Janet Watson

Gift Given By In Memory of

Laela VanZee Gaylon VanZee

Daniel & Carol Eggebraaten Lloyd Dale

Daniel & Carol Eggebraaten Thelma Grimm

Wesley & Julie Shoemaker Thelma Grimm

Richard Burman Ambrose Monroe

Larry & Sherry Van Zee Ambrose Monroe

Dale & Ruth Paulson Ambrose Monroe

James & Cheryl McClain Janel “Nellie” Fye

Gary & Linda Dwyer Janel “Nellie” Fye

James & Cheryl McClain Dick Seaman

Larry & Sherry Van Zee Dick Seaman

Gary & Linda Dwyer Dick Seaman

Jason & Kristina Watson Dick Seaman

Jack Strickland Diane Strickland

Donald & Gloria Wyatt Wilma Wyatt

Mavis Clark James Clark

Larry & Sherry Van Zee Donna Greenough

Your gift to SBA is an investment in the future.

Every dollar is used to help fund our mission, Empowering
Today’s Youth to Apply God’s Truth.

Giving is easy. You can give online anytime through the SBA
website (www.sunshinebible.org) or you can mail a check.
You can even set up regular recurring gifts if you wish to do

so. You can also donate livestock or grain.

For questions about giving, call the school office at
605.853.3071.

The Crusader | 21

SBA Family News
MARRIAGES HOMEGOINGS
Jed Konechne (‘17) was married to Ambrose Monroe (‘63) went home to
Jacelyn Harris on June 5. be with the Lord on April 20. Ambrose
is survived by his children, Jessie (Tim)
ENGAGEMENT Ross and Jared Monroe, and two
Bethany LaDue (‘12) was engaged to granddaughters.
Caleb Hunt on April 3.
Janel (Seaman, ‘78) Fye went home
Joel Pedersen (‘12) was engaged to to be with the Lord on May 8 after a
Elena Borah on May 23. lengthy battle with COVID. Janel is sur-
vived by her husband, Larry, daughters
BIRTHS Tana and Tara and their husbands, and
Ethan (‘10) and Mariah McClain granddaughter Callie.
welcomed Rhys Joseph on March 29.
Rhys weighed 6 pounds and joins older Donna Greenough (‘59), who also
siblings Everett (5) and Clara (2). worked in the kitchen at SBA during
1968-69, passed away on May 12.

Jackson and Grace (Nolte, ‘17) Dancy Dick Seaman went to be with Jesus on
welcomed Grant Christopher on May May 15, a month and a day after turn-
4. Grant was 8 pounds 6 oz and 20 ing 90. Dick and his wife Rosie were
inches long. inducted into the SBA Hall of Fame in

Kayla (Labrier, ‘08) and Jared Jorstad 1985 and Dick was a blessing to SBA
welcomed Emmerie Jade on May 16. in many ways over the years. He is sur-
She checked in at 6 lbs 9 oz and 18 vived by his children Bradford, Benita,
inches long. Emmerie joins older brother Boyd and Barb and their families.

Ryker. MORE NEWS

NEWS Terrie (Oswald, ‘77) Todd is thrilled
to announce another novel releasing
Brittney LaDue (‘09) graduated from this summer which is now available for
the University of Minnesota School of pre-order pretty much anywhere books
Veterinary Medicine on May 16. Con- are sold. Rose Among Thornes tells the
gratulations, Dr. LaDue! story of a Japanese-Canadian aspiring

pianist whose family is forced to leave

their Vancouver home to work in Mani-

We love to include news about our toba during WWII. It’s also the story of
Rusty Thorne, a soldier taken prisoner
alums! Please send all information by the Japanese. This book sheds light
and updates to sunshinebible@ on an often ignored blight on Canadian
k12.sd.us.
(and American) history, and points to

the forgiveness found only in Christ.

22 | The Crusader

AUG Football Practice Begins
9
AUG Cross Country and Volleyball Practices Begin
12
AUG First Day of School
16
SEP Parent/Teacher Conferences
24
OCT Homecoming
1 Be watching your e-mail, the SBA web site and the SBA

Facebook page for details about Homecoming, when
we will be celebrating SBA’s 70th Anniversary!

The Crusader | 23

SUNSHINE BIBLE ACADEMY Non-Prot
Organization
400 Sunshine Drive | Miller SD 57362 US Postage
Address Service Requested.
PAID
Madison,SD For more information:
Permit No. 32 www.sunshinebible.org | 605.853.3071